Sheet feeding device



`June 17, 1952 R, J, VAN Scl-HE 2,601,072

SHEET FEEDING DEVICE Filed Jan. 19, 1950 2 SHEETS-SHEET l Ehm N INVENTOR.

@waz-MS2 Patented June 17, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE snEE'i` FEEDING DEVICE Ruben J. van Schie, Grana Rapids, Mich. Application January 19, 195o, serial No. 139,384

1s claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in a sheet feeding device.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets which is well adapted for feeding sheets of quite large dimensions, one which is automatic in operation and well adapted for use in connection with presses and other relations.

Second, to provide a machine of this character in which the feed means is fioatingly supported on the stack of sheets to feed the sheets successively from the top.

Third, to provide a machine of this character which is quite simple and economical in its parts and in which the parts are not likely to get out of adjustment.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is pointed out in the claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention and one modication thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a sheet feeding machine embodying my invention mounted upon a stack of sheets, one sheet being in partially ejected position.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section lcorresponding to line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view with the machine mounted upon a stack of sheets.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partially in section, showing certain details of the conveyer.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of one corner of the machine showing a modified form of drive.

In the accompanying drawing, I represents a table having a stack of sheets 2 stacked thereon. The machine of my invention is particularly well adapted for feeding sheet metal sheets of relatively large dimensions. The machine comprises a frame designated generally by the numeral 3 and including side members I and cross members 5 desirably secured to the upper edges of the plate-like side members l to provide a rigid frame. The frame is provided with depending guide members 6 and 1 which engage the edges of the sheets to retain the frame thereon. The frame is provided with a plurality of rollers 8 having parallel axes 9 and adapted to rest on the top sheet of the stack as is clearly shown in the drawings. The frame is thus floatingly supported on the stack.

The feed means of the embodiment illustrated comprises the shafts I0 and Il each provided with a plurality of axially spaced sprockets I2, there being three sets of sprockets in the structure illustrated receiving the conveyer chains I3. The shafts I0 and II are disposed on the frame in planes outside of the vertical planes of opposite edges of the stack so that the pushers or flights I4 are traveling horizontally when they engage the edge of the top sheet of the stack as shown in Fig. 2 to push it forwardly from beneath the supporting rollers of the frame as is there illustrated. The positioning of the shaft I0 outside of the vertical plane of the front edges of the sheets, viewed from the direction of delivery, insures the complete ejection of the top sheet.

To insure maintaining the engagement of the pusher flights with the sheets, the bottom reaches I5 of the conveyer chains are supported by the longitudinally disposed thrust bars I6. These thrust bars prevent the disengagement of the pushers which might result if the bottom reaches or the feeding reaches of the conveyer were free to swing upwardly under the load. The pushers I4 engage both the pivots I1 of the link on which they are mounted.

To prevent the feeding of more than one sheet at a time I provide a crossbar I8 at the delivery end of the machine, this crossbar having a stop plate I9 for at least the next sheet below the sheet being delivered. The` stop bar and crossbar desirably engage a number of sheets of the stack. A shim 20 is interposed between the stop bar and its support. By using shims of proper thickness the machine is readily adapted for feeding sheets of different thickness or gauge.

In the first embodiment illustrated the motor 2I is mounted centrally upon the machine, a platform 22 being provided therefor and mounted on the intermediate cross members 5. This also supports the transmission designated generally by the numeral 23, the shaft 24 of the transmission being connected to the shaft I0 by means of the drive chain 25. If it is desired one of the conveyer shafts may be driven through a flexible shaft from a suitable source of power as shown in the second embodiment in Fig. 5.

The modified form of the machine shown in Fig. 5 operates to feed sheets in the same manner as the machine just described. However, in the modified machine the shaft IIIA projects beyond the side of the machine and is shaped to releasably engage the coupling 26 on the flexible shaft 21. The shaft 21 is driven from` the motor 2I and transmission 23 which in this case are located on the floor alongside the operating position of the machine. With this arrangement a single motor and transmission which are relatively expensive can serve different feeding machines as they are brought into position on successive stacks of sheets. The feeding mechanisms which are relatively inexpensive can then be supplied in multiple and loaded or positioned by the same lift mechanism that loads the stacks of sheets on the tables I.

The frame parts may be formed of aluminum or other light metal if desired.

I have illustrated and described my invention in what I regard as two highly practical coinmercial products. The structure is very compact, that is, it does not project greatly beyond the stack of sheets in any direction. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations which I contemplate as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my invention as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame provided with downwardly projecting guide members slidably engaging the sides of the stack of sheets, a plurality of supporting rollers having parallel axes and adapted to rest upon the top sheet of the stack to iloatingly support the frame thereon, conveyer shafts mounted on said frame and each provided with a plurality of axially spaced sprockets, said shafts being disposed on said frame outside the vertical planes of opposite edges of the stack, conveyer chains on said sprockets having sheet pusher flights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the said shafts being arranged so that the lower reaches of the conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the flights being positioned to engage an edge of the top sheet of the stack to discharge the same from beneath the frame, thrust bars arranged above the bottom reaches of the conveyer chains to maintain the flights thereof in engagement with the sheet being discharged, and a cross member mounted lon said frame to engage a plurality of the sheets ofthe stack below the top sheet at the front ends thereof relative to their f direction of discharge.

2. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame provided with downwardly projecting guide members slidably engaging the sides of the stack of sheets, a plurality of supporting rollers having parallel axes and adapted to rest upon the top sheet of the stack to iloatingly support the frame thereon, conveyer shaftsmounted on said frame and each provided with a plurality of axially spaced sprockets, conveyer chains on said sprockets having .sheet pusher flights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the said shafts being arranged so that the lower reaches ofthe conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the flights being positioned to engage an edge of the top sheet of the stack to discharge the same from beneath the frame, and a cross member mounted on said frame to engage a plurality of the sheets of the stack below the top sheet at the front ends thereof relative to their direction of discharge.

3. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame provided withl downwardly projecting guide members slidably engaging the sides of the stack of sheets, a plurality of supporting rollers having parallel axes and adapted to rest upon the top sheet of the stack to iloatingly support the frame thereon, conveyer shafts mounted on said frame and each provided with a plurality of axially spaced sprockets, said shafts being disposed on said frame outside the vertical planes of opposite edges of the stack, conveyer chains on said sprockets havingsheet pusher flights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the said shafts being arranged so that the lower reaches of the conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the flights being positioned to engage an edge of the top sheet of the stack to discharge the same from beneath the frame, and thrust bars arranged above the bottom reaches of the conveyer chains to maintain the flights thereof in engagement with the sheet being discharged.

4. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame provided with downwardly projecting guide members slidably engaging the sides of the stack of sheets, a plurality of supporting rollers having parallel axes and adapted to rest upon the top sheet of the stack to floatingly support the frame thereon, conveyer shafts mounted on said frame and each provided with a plurality of axially spaced sprockets, conveyer chains on' said sprockets having sheet pusher flights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the said shafts being arranged so that the lower reaches of the conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the flights being positioned to engage an edge of the top sheet of the stack to discharge the same from beneath the frame.

5. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame provided with supporting rollers adapted to rest on the top sheet of the stack to floatingly support the frame thereon and with depending positioning members coacting with side portions of the stack of sheets for retaining the frame thereon, a sheet delivery conveyer comprising shafts mounted on the frame outside the vertical opposite edges of the stack and provided with spaced sprockets, and conveyer chains coasting with said sprockets and having pusher flights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the shafts being disposed so that the lower reaches of the conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the flights being positioned to engage an edge of the top sheet of the stack to push the same from beneath the frame, said frame being provided with means engaging'a plurality of sheets of the stack below the top sheet at the front ends thereof relative to their direction of discharge.

6. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame adapted to rest on the top sheet of the stack to be iloatingly supported and guided exclusively by the stack, guide means depending from the sides of said frame to slidingly and guidingly engage the sides of the stack, a sheet delivery conveyer comprising shafts mounted on the frame and provided with spaced sprockets, and conveyer chains coacting with said sprockets and having pusher flights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the shafts being disposed so that the lower reaches of the conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the flights being positop of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame adapted to rest on the top sheet of the stack to be floatingly supported and guided exclusively by the stack, a sheet delivery conveyer comprising shafts mounted on the frame and provided with spaced sprockets, and conveyer chains coasting with said sprockets and having pusher. iiights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the shafts being disposed so that the lower reaches of the conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the iiights being positioned to engage an edge of the top sheet of the stack to push the same from beneath the frame, thrust bars arranged above the bottom reaches of the conveyer chains to maintain the iiights thereof in engagement with the sheet being discharged, said frame being provided with means engaging a sheet of the stack below the top sheet at the front end thereof relative to their direction of discharge.

S. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets', the combination of a f frame adapted to rest on the top sheet of the stack to be iioatingly supported exclusively by the stack, a sheet delivery conveyer comprising shafts mounted on the frame and provided With spaced sprockets, and conveyer chains coacting with said sprockets and having pusher nights mounted thereon in transversely aligned relation, the shafts being disposed so that the lower reaches of the conveyer chains travel above and in a plane parallel to the sheets of the stack, the flights being positioned to engage an edge of the top sheet of the stack to push the same from beneath the frame, said frame being provided with means engaging a sheet of the stack below the top sheet at the front end thereof relative to their direction of discharge.

9. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack, the combination of a frame provided with a plurality of supporting rollers adapted to rest on the top sheet of the stack to floatingly support the frame thereon, said frame being provided with depending members engaging the sides ofthe stack for maintaining the frame upon the stack, sheet discharge means adapted to successively engage the top sheet of the stack at one edge thereof, and means carried by the frame for retainingly engaging the opposite edge of the sheet below the top sheet.

10. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack, the combination of a frame provided with a plurality of supporting rollers adapted to rest on the top sheet of the stack to floatingly support the frame thereon, sheet discharge means adapted to successively engage the top sheet of the stack at one edge thereof, and means carried by the frame for retainingly engaging the opposite edge of the sheet below the top sheet.

11. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of the stack, the combination of a frame disposed upon the stack and floatingly supported relative thereto, an endless conveyer mounted on said frame and provided with a sheet engaging night adapted to engage one edge of the top sheet of the stack to discharge the top sheet from below saidframe, said frame being provided with supporting rollers disposed with their axes transversely to the path of discharge of the sheets and being freely rotatable as the sheet is discharged from beneath the same.

12. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of the stack, the combination of a frame disposed upon the stack and floatingly supported exclusively thereby, an endless conveyer mounted on said frame and provided with a sheet engaging flight adapted to engage one edge of the top sheet of the stack to discharge the top sheet from below said frame.

13. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of the stack, the combination of a frame disposed upon the stack and floatingly supported relative theretan endless conveyer mounted on said frame and provided with a sheet engaging flight adapted to engage one edge of the top sheet of the stack to discharge the top sheet from below said frame, said frame being provided with supporting rollers disposed with their axes transversely to the path of discharge of the sheets and being freely rotatable as the sheet is discharged from beneath the same.

14. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame adapted to be floatingly supported exclusively by the stack of sheets, a driven sheet delivery conveyer mountedon said frame and provided with Ipushers adapted to successively engage the top sheet of the stack and push the same from beneath the frame, said frame being provided with means engaging the front edge of the sheet below the top sheet for retaining it during the discharge of the top sheet by the conveyer.

l5. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack, the combination of a frame adapted to rest on and be supported exclusively by the top sheet of a stack, said frame being provided with members engaging the sides of the stack for maintaining the frame upon the stack, sheet discharge means longitudinally movably mounted on said frame and adapted to successively engage successive top sheets of the stack at one edge thereof, and means carried by the frame for retainingly engaging the opposite edge of the sheet below the top sheet.

16. In a, machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack, the combination of a frame adapted to rest on and be supported exclusively by the top sheet of a stack, sheet discharge means longitudinally movably mounted on said frame and adapted to successively engage successive top sheets of the stack at one edge thereof, and means carried by the frame for retainingly engaging the opposite edge of the sheet below the top sheet.

17. In a machine for feeding sheets from the top of a stack of sheets, the combination of a frame adapted to be floatingly supported exclusively by the stack of sheets, a driven sheet delivery member longitudinally movably mounted on said frame and adapted to successively engage the top sheet of the stack and push the same from beneath the frame, said frame being provided with means engaging the front edge of the sheet below the top sheet for retaining it during the discharge of the top sheet by the delivery member.

18. A device for feeding stiff sheets from the top of a stack of the sheets comprising, a body adapted to overlie said stack and having depending elements adapted to guidingly engage the CSI 8 REFERENCE-'s 'GITED The following references are of r'ecord in the le 'of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Nur'nbe Na'me Date 355,784 Pritchard Feb. 1, 1887 1,033,951 Sargent July 30, 1912 1,674,319 Cranston June 19, 1'928 1,683,779 Horstkotte Sept. '11, 1928 '1,785,374 Blo'n'son DEC. -12, 1930 1,817,387 Mc'C'r'ery Aug. 4, 1931 .2,576,636 Opgelllth NV. 27, 1951 

